I have eventually persuaded my wife to come riding (gentle) offroad with me! ;D
I am going to keep the DRZ and am now looking for a second bike. My needs are as follows:
Budget - R50-55k - this is the limit!
Bike must be able to carry us (86kg+55kg) plus a little bit of luggage - we will be staying at B&B's.
Able to cruise tar at 120-130 comfortably and have a comfortable pillion seat.
Able to handle gravel roads and occasionaly, bad ones like Baviaans, Die Hel.
Prefer a 21" front, but 19" will do.
Reliable.
I will also use it to go to "bashes" where covering long distances (and a lot of tar) are required.
I have considered the following:
Dakkie - not that comfortable, but pretty capable offroad, reliable motor.
Africa Twin - a bit too big and heavy and overpriced for what you get.
650 VStrom - great motor and box, but mags and I really don't like the looks.
Tiger 900 - parts expensive, no dealer anywhere near me and a bit out of the price range.
650 TransAlp - this is looking like the right bike. Comfortable, good weather protection, Honda quality , comfy ride on dirt roads, reasonably capable offraod, but a pain in the arse to work on!
It's interesting to note that all the above have a power to weight ratio of between 0.25 and 0.28hp/kg.
I would appreciate your input.
LGF
I am going to keep the DRZ and am now looking for a second bike. My needs are as follows:
Budget - R50-55k - this is the limit!
Bike must be able to carry us (86kg+55kg) plus a little bit of luggage - we will be staying at B&B's.
Able to cruise tar at 120-130 comfortably and have a comfortable pillion seat.
Able to handle gravel roads and occasionaly, bad ones like Baviaans, Die Hel.
Prefer a 21" front, but 19" will do.
Reliable.
I will also use it to go to "bashes" where covering long distances (and a lot of tar) are required.
I have considered the following:
Dakkie - not that comfortable, but pretty capable offroad, reliable motor.
Africa Twin - a bit too big and heavy and overpriced for what you get.
650 VStrom - great motor and box, but mags and I really don't like the looks.
Tiger 900 - parts expensive, no dealer anywhere near me and a bit out of the price range.
650 TransAlp - this is looking like the right bike. Comfortable, good weather protection, Honda quality , comfy ride on dirt roads, reasonably capable offraod, but a pain in the arse to work on!
It's interesting to note that all the above have a power to weight ratio of between 0.25 and 0.28hp/kg.
I would appreciate your input.
LGF
